Nghi An - from a traditional craft village to an urban center for ornamental plants and flowers.

From barren land to a traditional craft village.

Nghi An flower village (Vinh city). Photo: Quang An

The flower and ornamental plant cultivation industry in Nghi An began to develop in the late 1980s, originating from some households in Kim Chi hamlet who switched from low-yield rice cultivation to chrysanthemums, peonies, gladioli, etc. Initially, it was just an experiment, but the plants took root, and the people became skilled in the trade, gradually forming a new farming practice and developing into a movement in Kim My and Kim Phuc hamlets, where the best of the flower and ornamental plant cultivation industry is concentrated.

By 2010, the Kim Chi flower and ornamental plant village was recognized by the People's Committee of Nghe An province as the first traditional flower and ornamental plant village, ushering in a new era of development. Since then, flower cultivation has continued to expand, helping hundreds of households not only escape poverty but also achieve sustainable wealth. This has created motivation for flower and ornamental plant growers to produce higher quality products, specialize in techniques and capital, and increase income, attracting more workers and focusing on producing higher-value, higher-quality flower and ornamental plant products.

Currently, Nghi An district has over 300 households specializing in the production of flowers and ornamental plants, covering tens of hectares. Every year, during the Lunar New Year, the flower village supplies tens of thousands of pots of chrysanthemums, peonies, hanging flowers, bonsai, and various ornamental plants to markets in Vinh, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh , and other provinces.

It is estimated that income from ornamental flowers reaches 200–300 million VND/hectare, while bonsai can reach 500–700 million VND/hectare. Many flower-growing households have built multi-story houses, bought cars, and become "flower village millionaires." This profession also creates seasonal jobs for hundreds of local laborers, especially during the peak season leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).

Beyond being a source of livelihood, the flower village also brings unique spiritual and cultural value to the locality. Bonsai clubs and flower enthusiast associations have been formed; flower and ornamental plant competitions are held annually, providing a platform for exchange of knowledge and experience in the flower and ornamental plant industry, enriching rural life, and motivating those who love the profession to gain more valuable experience through these activities.

Sustainable development direction

Nghi An is a suburban area of Vinh City, with National Highway 46 and close to National Highway 1A, making it very convenient for trade and product transportation. The soil in this area is sandy loam, with good drainage – ideal conditions for growing valuable flowers such as Da Lat chrysanthemums, peonies, lilies, bonsai, and hanging plants…

gen-h - People in Nghi An take care of ornamental plants — People in Nghi An take care of ornamental plants.

Furthermore, the local people have a tradition of diligence, skill, and a passion for creating bonsai art. Many families have been involved in the craft for two or three generations, forming a class of skilled artisans with a keen aesthetic sense and market acumen, thereby creating many valuable products to meet market demands.

Recognizing its great potential, at the beginning of the 2020-2025 term, Vinh City planned to develop the Kim Chi hamlet area into a suburban flower and ornamental plant center, approving a project to build a flower and ornamental plant market combined with a new urban area of approximately 10 hectares. This project is expected to create a central hub for buying and selling ornamental flowers and displaying flower products for the entire province, and to supply and trade with provinces in the north and central regions. Through this project, the value of goods and the competitiveness of local products will be gradually enhanced.

Furthermore, Nghi An has the potential to develop eco-tourism based on traditional craft villages in the future. With its picturesque landscape and vibrant flowers blooming year-round, it promises to become an attractive destination for tourists to visit, take photos, experience planting and caring for flowers, and enjoy homestay accommodations, similar to famous flower villages in Nhat Tan (Hanoi), Sa Dec (Dong Thap), and Da Lat.

In recent times, the local Party committee and government of Nghi An commune have adopted policies and orientations to develop the flower and ornamental plant craft village. Therefore, they have focused on investing in upgrading infrastructure, such as the road system and drainage ditches, to help farmers with convenient transportation and quick drainage, protecting plants and flowers from flooding. In addition, the government consistently cooperates with the city and relevant authorities to organize annual training courses on plant care, development, and conservation, helping people update and supplement their knowledge.

gen-h - Leaders of the Provincial Farmers' Association visit Nghi An flower and ornamental plant village. — Leaders of the Provincial Farmers' Association visit Nghi An flower and ornamental plant village.

In the coming period, the locality also aims to promote the application of high technology and e-commerce in production and consumption. The formation of a flower and ornamental plant cooperative and the collective brand "Nghi An Flowers and Ornamental Plants" are also being promoted, in order to create a clear mark on the market inside and outside the province.

Nghi An is facing a great opportunity to break through and become a key center for ornamental plants and flowers, not only for Vinh City but also for the entire North Central region. However, to succeed, close coordination between the government, the people, and businesses is needed in planning, investment capital, brand building, and product promotion.

Most importantly, it's about preserving the passion, skill, and dedication of the flower growers – the "silent artists" who are beautifying life every day with each plant and flower. "Growing flowers isn't just for selling, but also to preserve a rural cultural aspect amidst the urbanization," a flower village artisan shared.

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